(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats John Burzichelli, Vincent Prieto and Ruben J. Ramos Jr. to enable New Jerseyans to wager on Atlantic City casino games via the Internet was approved 33-3 Thursday by the Senate, giving it final legislative approval.

The bill (A-2578) authorizes persons in New Jersey to place wagers on Atlantic City casino games via the Internet. Under the bill, any game that is authorized to be played in a casino could, with the approval of the Division of Gaming Enforcement, be offered through Internet gaming.

People would be allowed to be from out-of-state, as long as it’s consistent with federal law.

Burzichelli, Prieto and Ramos said the Internet wagering bill would especially help New Jersey’s gaming industry amid increased competition from other states.

“We must position New Jersey’s gaming industry to thrive in the 21st Century, and that involves authorizing a legally sound Internet gaming law,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “This is another key piece of our effort to boost New Jersey’s gaming industry by expanding and modernizing our wagering options. This will rejuvenate our tourist industry while increasing employment, capital investment and much needed urban redevelopment, and hopefully the governor agrees.”

“Most everything else has migrated to the Internet and taken advantage of the consumer and revenue options it offers, and New Jersey’s gaming industry should be no different,” said Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen). “This is a carefully crafted bill designed to ensure Internet gaming on casino games is offered the right way. It’s a much-needed competitive step forward for our casinos that could also raise more revenue to benefit senior and disabled citizens.”

“The Internet has long been a reality, and Internet gaming in New Jersey should now be reality too,” said Ramos (D-Hudson). “We have to move aggressively and thoughtfully to position our gaming industry to succeed, and this is another step toward that goal. It will mean economic growth and job creation for our state.”

Under the bill, all Internet gaming would be deemed to take place in Atlantic City and all equipment used in Internet gaming would be required to be located in Atlantic City, except that backup equipment and certain other equipment could be located elsewhere.

In addition, the bill prescribes the permit fees and tax rates applicable to Internet gaming, provides for contributions to compulsive gambling programs, regulates the process for the placing of Internet wagers, provides penalties for violations and provides that promotional gaming credits will include wagers placed through an Internet gaming system.

The bill was approved by the Assembly on Monday, 48-24-4. It now goes to the Governor.